BioKevin Real, PhD, is Associate Professor and the Douglas and Carole Boyd Professor of Communication at the University of Kentucky. His research interests involve communication in healthcare organizations, implementation of quality improvement processes such as Appreciative Inquiry in organizations, and occupational safety and health. His research has been published in Journal of Applied Communication Research, Management Communication Quarterly, AI Practitioner, Communication Theory, Communication Research, and Human Communication Research. He has won numerous awards Top Paper Awards at national and international conferences. He has been recognized at the University of Kentucky with a Research Excellence Award and a Teaching Excellence Award from the College of Communication and Information.

AwardsBill Eadie Distinguished Scholar Award, National Comminication Association 2010; College of Communication and Information Excellence in Teaching Award 2007; College of Communication and Information Excellence in Research Award 2004

A study of communication processes in small group situations. Topics include conflict, leadership, and decision-making. Students will participate in group discussion and develop skills in analyzing group performance.

Designed to introduce students to basic concepts in the study of organizational communication. The course considers approaches to the practice and study of communication within organizational settings, including classical approach, human relations, human resources approaches, systems approaches, cultural approaches, and critical approaches. It also introduces specific issues within the study of organizational communication, including assimilation, decision-making, conflict, change, emotion, cultural diversity and communication technologies.

An introduction to the methods of philosophy of scientific research into the origins, nature, and effects of communication processes. Provides skills necessary for designing research projects and for interpreting and critically evaluating research results.

Research and study of special topics in communication. The student proposes the specific study to be undertaken and formally contracts with a faculty supervisor for guidance and evaluation. Ordinarily, projects will require the production of written materials as a basis for the evaluation. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Provides field-based experience in communication through work in industry, government, education, etc. Pass-fail only. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. A maximum of three credit hours may be counted toward the communication major. For more information, visit the internship website at http://comm.uky.edu/intern.

Examines theory and research on the nature and development of small group communication. Topics include leadership, interpersonal relations and roles, goals, and decision-making in multiple organizational contexts.

A topical seminar discussing issues in the field of health communication from a variety of perspectives, e.g., the relevance of interpersonal, international and intercultural and mass communication processes to the quality and availability of health care. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Understanding workplace communication in U.S. society requires an interdisciplinary approach in preparing students to developing an enlightened consideration of the complex and contextual nature of communication in organizations. The emphasis on community,culture and citizenship is designed to engage students using dynamic learning experiences such as debates and discussion over topics relevant to the role of communication and organizations in U.S. society.

This course explores the role of communication in negotiation and conflict management in organizations. The course examines conflict theories and approaches, negotiation processes, and third party intervention through the study of strategies and tactics, interaction processes, phases and stages of negotiation development and conflict framing. The course examines strategies and tactics used in exchange of offers and counteroffers, salary negotiations, buying and selling of products, team bargaining, and multiparty negotiations.

Communication education abroad is an academically rigorous and experientially rich opportunity for students to work with a UK faculty member by participating in a formal study abroad course, research program, or service project related to one or more of many communication theories, concepts, and skills. Any communication education abroad offering will be grounded firmly in the communication discipline in ways designed to enrich one’s understanding of how individual and local communication norms and practices both shape and are shaped by global trends, communication, and interactions.

This graduate course explores communication training and consultation as a research and instructional focus for students interested in applied communication. Students will learn how to identify and assess communication competence and how to develop training programs to enhance communication competency.